Hi kids,

Question 1 is about protein :

I recall reading something somewhere in the boards that excess protein is converted to glucose. Is that correct, and do I need to worry about too much protien? Will having some at each meal actually cause a stall?

Question 2 is about Flax Oil :

Do you get the same benefits from flax oil that you do from flax meal as far as fibre is concerned, in your opinion? I am sprinkling a tablespoon of flax meal on my salad every day, but just wonder if the oil would give me the same amount of fibre? My common-sense tells me not, but wondered if you knew for sure.

Thanks all!!

Missed this question, Dizzy !

The short answer to both your questions is "no". The longer answers follow:



Yes, it is correct that excess protein can be converted to glucose and used by your body - this process is called gluconeogenesis. The fact that our bodies can do this is a sign of just how unneccesarry carbs are to our survival - we can make glucose when we need it. Do you need to worry about it? NO. Should you eat some with every meal? YES. Your body needs a constant supply of amino acids - if you do not supply it one with diet it will get it from the one place that amino acids abound - your lean muscle tissue. Protein Power advises figuring out your minimum protein requirement - key word being minimum. You can, and should eat more.

A recent discussion on protein and gluconeogensis will provide a bit more info:

http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthre...1610#post281610



No. Flax oil is 100% fat - no fiber, no carb, no protein. You'll get the omega 3 EFA benefit but not the fiber. Your common sense is bang on

Nat

...this is just a little tip of my hat to Nat.

You always know the answer to those kind of questions. And not just a "hmmm... well I think" kind of answer. A real "these are the facts ma'am" answer. Which is so cool. I hope that being a do-gooder like that comes back to you ten-fold IRL. Thank you!

Thanks so much Nat! I knew I was asking the right person! So, now that my concern has been laid to rest, where's the beef!

Seriously, I appreciate your response. It's so nice to have the reasons behind the answers explained to you along with a response.

I think I may have to invenst in the Protien Power book. Sounds like it's chock full of wonderful info.

Thanks again!

Thanks for the explanation of gluconeogenesis in your post within that thread. It cleared up a lot of confusion about eating too much protein.

Allison